The warm resonance of Grex Musicus‘ 24 voices will captivate us with a panorama of Finnish choral music: from classical works by Kuula and Sibelius to traditional folk music, to contemporary vocal jazz arrangements made popular by The Real Group and Rajaton. You’ll enjoy clear, fresh-voiced singing and original scores not often heard in America!

Founded in 1991 by internationally known choral director Marjukka Riihimäki, Grex Musicus chamber choir singers are young adult students, half of whom are studying to be professional musicians. The ensemble has participated in a number of major European choral competitions. In 2005, they were only the second Finnish choir in the history of the renowned Tampere Vocal Music Festival (Finland) to win the rare Grand Prix with three gold awards. In 2004, they placed second in the acclaimed Cork International Choral Festival (Ireland), and in 2006 they placed third in the international Harald Andersén Chamber Choir Competition (Sweden). Grex Musicus has absorbed new ideas and cultures on its several tours abroad including travels to the United States, South Africa, Cuba, Ireland, Brazil, Argentina and Germany. They have also released three albums – Grex Musicus in 1996, The Making of the Drum in 1999 and Blue Magic 2007 – and will have their newly recorded Christmas cd with them on this tour.

Conductor/director Marjukka Riihimäki infuses her choirs with warmth, enthusiasm and passionate singing. In addition to Grex, she also conducts the Sibelius High School Choir, the Klemetti College Women’s Choir and the renowned womens’ ensemble Philomela. Marjukka Riihimäki is also a popular lecturer and judge at international choral festivals, and has judged several choral composing contests. She is the recipient of many major choral awards in Finland, including the title of “Musiikkineuvos” (Councilor of Music), conferred in 2009 by the President of the Republic of Finland, Tarja Halonen.